Nik didn’t say no to turkey so I guess he likes it. He looked a little shocked when I made the cupcake offering. He looked even more shocked that I offered to get him lunch, but I figure if we’re going to be friends, I’m the one who’ll have to make the initial effort. Once we’re at a comfortable stage, I’m sure he’ll open up more, but already he fascinates me. I can’t seem to keep away. I want to know more about him.
Max and Trick like me. I know this because they make no effort to hide it. And I like them right back.
Ghost, on the other hand, hates my frickin’ guts. I’m not sure why but I can tell he doesn’t trust me.
Silvio is working the counter at the sub shop like always. He is an animated Italian and always really loud.
Slightly balding, he does what good men do and shaves it short rather than comb it over.
Silvio likes me because I eat. He always tells me to get a cookie with my sub and much to his delight I almost always do.
Silvio smiles with his normal greeting, “Buongiorno Principessa! What my get you today?” Silvio’s English isn’t perfect.
I say, “Hi Silvio, you’re looking good today! I need two of my regulars.”
He raises his brows at me, smiles big and claps loud. He responds, “Oh, very good gehl. I love you mangia! You get cookie, too.” This was not a request.
I chuckle at his antics and say, “You better make that two cookies. I’m taking lunch to a friend today.”
Understanding dawns on his face and he ups the dramatic hand movements with, “Ahh, this is a good. Friends make a laugh when mangia together!”
I bite my lip to stop my laugh; after two years of knowing Silvio his English could’ve quite possibly gotten worse.
Two subs and cookies in hand, I wave goodbye to Silvio and walk over to The White Rabbit.
The door to Nik’s office is closed; I check the clock in the hall: 1:05pm
I’m juggling quite a bit of food but luckily the door handle is a lever, not a round one.
Balancing the food on my lifted leg, I use my hip to push down the lever, I hear the latch open, and I walk backwards through the door.
I state ,“Whoa! That wasn’t as easy as I made it look. Here is your sub, Monsieur.” I turn and see Nik at his desk, eyes wide. There is also a very pretty woman sitting opposite him.
Eeeek!
Luckily, Pretty Woman wears an easy smile.
She stands and offers kindly, “Here, let me help you.” She takes the subs and cookies out of my hands and puts them on the edge of the desk.#p#分页标题#e#
I sputter, “Oh, thank you so much. I’m so sorry to bother you. I thought the meeting was over.” I shoot Nik an apologetic smile
“That’s fine,” she says, “We were just finishing up and I was just about to ask Nik where he got those delicious cupcakes from.”
Nik clears his throat and walks over to me. He stands so close to me my shoulder is in the crook of his arm. He explains, “Well, actually, Tina made those.”
I look closer at Pretty Woman and realize I’ve seen her before. I say slowly, “Wait a second. I think I’ve seen you in my store. You asked for my help and I recommended that Yellow sweater because it looked killer with your black pumps.”
The woman is smiling and wide eyed. She responds with a shocked and amused voice, “Oh my goodness. That was a while ago. I didn’t think you would recognize me. I love that sweater!” she chuckles. “I’m Vanessa.”
I’m genuinely happy to see her again. I reach over to shake her hand and say, “It’s so good to meet you, Vanessa. I’m Tina. If you ever need any help with something to wear, come see me again. And, by the way, if you liked those cupcakes I have the recipe on my work computer. If you give me your card I can email it to you.”
Vanessa smiles and says, “Really? I would love that.” She digs through her purse for a business card and hands it over. “My husband loves chocolate and I’ve never tasted anything like that before.”
I look up at Nik, who I haven’t even noticed has moved his arm around my shoulder. He looks down at me, eyes dancing.
Gahh, look at those beautiful eyes!
I shoot him a smug look that says See! I told ya! then take a huge bite of my cookie.
I’ll admit I forgot Vanessa was even there until she spoke again. She says, “If you don’t mind me saying, you two make a great couple.”
Nik’s arm tightens around me and he replies, “We certainly think so.”
What. The. Hell?
“Right, honey?” Then he leans down and kisses my temple.
I have a full mouth of cookie but I manage a, “Mmmpff” and a small nod.